by April | Education, Mentoring
April 30th, 2016 – To often in today’s society the focus is on athletic prowess or celebrity; not so much on focusing on the growth of the youth and celebrating their academic accomplishments. In this vein The Blue Heart Foundation held its 2nd President volunteer award and Signing Day Celebration. The purpose of this dinner is to acknowledge the dedication and drive of the members of the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) as they work to improve the quality of life of themselves as well as community.
As Blue Heart graduated their first class of seniors the feel was that one that created a sense of celebration as well as community. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Blue Heart feels it’s very important to acknowledge these young men for their accomplishments. Salina Scott (Parent) stated “Our son James has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of such a great experience, The Blue Heart Foundation Inc., has given him various opportunities to better himself, and in doing so has extended his perceptions of how much he can impact others as well as himself, by showing compassion for others’ lives, and experiences. James has always had words of encouragement to share with others, but his participation with Blue Heart has allowed actions as well.”
As the awards portion of the event began with the recognition of this year’s President Volunteer Service Award winners with Bronze Level Awards going to Jamil Duke, James Scott, Jacques Morgan and Demaurier Palmer; the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Isaiah Coleman. Next came recognition from Congressman Juan Vargas by District Representative Stephanie R Allen who’s beautifully compelling presentation filled the room with appreciation and love.
Finally, we get to the signing day … Where will the seniors be taking the next step in their academic journey? First was Dallas Edge who committed to UC Merced followed by Demaurier Palmer (Alabama A&M) whom stated “When Tracy trusted me, I has no choice but to give 110 %. So, when it was my last chance to take my SAT.. I wasn’t going to let walking 6 miles stop me! Next was Jamil Duke (Sacramento State) followed by Jacques Morgan (Alabama A&M), Bernard Richardson (Northern Arizona University), James Scott IV (California State – Los Angeles) whom said “I’m not done with Blue Heart and going to come back to mentor” and closed with Isaiah Coleman whom said “I never had a fraternity of brothers until now…and I’m proud to be a member of The Blue Heart Foundation.
We want to be sure to thank both the San Diego’s Black Police Officer Association and Edith Jimmerson for their contributions. Last but not certainly not least we want to be sure to thank all the parents and community supporters. Without your support there would be no HEART of Blue Heart Foundation. Tracy Morris proudly exclaimed “I am so full of joy, pride and thankfulness that these wonderful people trust me with their most precious gift… their children”
by April | Community, Education, Volunteerism
April 30th, 2016 – The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated its 25th Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program. The event took place at San Diego Concourse, Golden Hall. The program was designed to identify, recruit, nurture and support students who are striving to achieve academic and economic excellence. The communities’ goal is to ensure that its future parents, politicians, scientists, carpenters, doctors, and professors are identified early and supported continuously in their quest to achieve excellence.
Members of HEART had the opportunity to not only receive awards for academic excellence with cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 and above. These dedicated, service minded young men arrived as early as 7:00 AM to provide assistance in any and every way possible. Tasks given to these young men included but were not limited to award recipient registration, door assistance, ushering and event coordination as well as handing out brochures. All 20 members in attendance received the highest accolades from the San Diego Urban League’s Young Professionals
In partnership with several community based organizations, The Blue Heart Foundation provided access to more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants. Scholarship partners included, San Diego State University; San Ysidro Health Center, and Neighborhood House Association & Urban League of San Diego County. Additional thanks goes to our military personnel who volunteered their time to help with logistics and crowd management.
The Golden Pyramid Academic Scholars Awards program provided participating organizations and businesses an opportunity to connect with more than 1,300 high-achieving underrepresented youth and their families. This year’s program attracted more than 2,529 people. Participants were encouraged to enroll in one of our year-round youth programs such as Project Ready (College Readiness Programs for males and females 11-18).
The Golden Pyramid Scholars Program features encouraging messages which promote academic achievement, civic responsibility and professional success. The programs emphasis on academic achievement and career success attracts aspiring, influential teens and young adults, ages 8-18 along with loyal parents/grandparents/guardians of all ages. These consumers bring a mindset perfect for marketing certain consumer brands, career opportunities and social campaigns that appeal to this trend-setting demographic.
by April | Education, Mentoring
Saturday, April 16, 2016 San Diego, CA HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together attended the 6th Annual Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow Summit sponsored by Reach One Teach One, Inc.
These youth summits are nothing short of amazing! With over 100 youth gathered together at one time – learning, sharing and being challenged to think out of the box and push beyond status quo – The goal is to reach as many youth as we can, as fast as we can.
Summits create an environment for youth to come together and develop positive relationships with their peers, gain insight to professional and academic possibilities, and to build a strong network. These events are healthy, safe and positive recreational opportunities. Youth will leave with a sense of confidence, a forward-thinking frame of mind and new connects with peers, professionals, schools, employers and mentors; that they may have never connected with before.
by April | Education, Mentoring
March’s HEART workshop focus was on career opportunities and International Travel. The first session was facilitated by Dr. 
Shalom Akili who recently traveled to Malaysia and shared his experience with the group. For three weeks Dr. Akili was immersed in the culture of Malaysia and taught lessons to students between the ages of 13-18. His experience was one that was certainly life changing.
This was followed by a dynamic presentation where Dr. Aaron Bruce presented on opportunities to “Keep it Global” Dr. Bruce discussed his many trips abroad and how the world is becoming such a smaller community. Touching on the importance that our young men seek out opportunities to travel Internationally. Needless to say we will be working to make a HEART trip to Africa happen within the next year.
Lastly, Charles Anderson stopped by from the Urban League to discuss volunteer opportunities at the Golden Pyramid Awards as well as scholarship opportunities. Be sure to fill out the scholarship and essay as soon as possible.
by April | Education
Our young men had the opportunity to see a key influence on the civil rights movement Rev. Al Sharptor the last 40 years Rev. Al Sharpton has been a consistent advocate for civil rights.and on the night before he was expected to lead a protest in Los Angeles in front of the venue hosting the Academy Awards, the Rev. Al Sharpton was in San Diego leading a discussion about civil rights. Actually, he was talking about a revival of the civil rights movement — taking the passion and purpose many associate with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and applying them to 21st century circumstances.
It almost seemed as though that scenario was playing itself out in front of the crowd at the Rolando headquarters of the United Domestic Workers of America, where Sharpton spoke. As soon as he took the stage, he acknowledged a Shane Harris a young activist in San Diego, whom he indicated was prepared to take up the torch. “I believe it’s our duty to position them for leadership as we go on,” Sharpton said of the Rev. Shane Harris, who serves as president of the local chapter of the National Action Network, a civil rights advocacy group.
Sharpton, 61, founded the organization in 1991. Harris, who is in his early 20s, founded what he has described as a multicultural and multigenerational church in Mountain View a few years ago. He said Saturday night that he had “stepped away” from his church to “go full time into the movement, I know what it is to be young and on fire for social justice,” Sharpton said. “And a lot of folks whose flame has flickered get upset at someone whose flame is full grown.”
The event was billed as the official kickoff of the National Action Network’s San Diego chapter. Sharpton was the keynote speaker. But before he appeared, the crowd of more than 300 people prayed, sang along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir of San Diego and experienced a mime/dance group performance by girls and boys from St. Stephens Cathedral Church of God in Christ.
Also in attendance were several civic leaders and community representatives, including San Diego Councilmembers Myrtle Cole and Marti Emerald, Pro-Tem Mayor of Lemon Grove Racquel Vasquez, Mayor San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten and president of the San Diego branch of the NAACP, Andre Branch.
Sharpton, who hosts the Sunday morning talk show PoliticsNation on MSNBC, covered a range of topics Saturday night in San Diego. He talked about the seriousness of the presidential election, drawing parallels among the conservatism of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
“(There are) people attempting to change and reverse everything that has been achieved in the country for the last half century,” Sharpton said, specifically noting race relations, labor issues and voting rights. “We have got to organize like we’ve never organized before,” he said.
He challenged the crowd not to participate in “anything that insults and offends us,” noting the controversy over the lack of diversity in Academy Award nominations over the past two years. And he encouraged the crowd to advocate for the rights of all people, including members of the gay and lesbian community. “You can’t fight for no one’s civil rights unless you fight for everyone’s,” he said. (Source Dana Littlefield San Diego Union Tribune)
by April | Education
Our monthly from 8 AM – Noon workshops take place the Second Saturday of each month. The curriculum will include but not be limited to the following:
Hour One – Workshop Kickoff – Expectations and Filling out paperwork (If needed)
Hour Two – Social Skills/Educational Development – Discussion
How to dress for every occasion presented by Mathew Gordon
– Video and conversation on:
– Casual
– Business Casual
– Business
– Black Tie (Formal)
Hour Three – Professional Development – Careers in Education
Roosevelt Johnson – MAN Up!
Dr. Shalom Akili
Professionals attend and speak for 10-15 minutes on their career and what it took to successfully achieve their current career
Hour Four – AKA Debutante Ball presentation &
Catherine Hong will present on The San Diego Public Library’s 2015 Session of Admit One Starting October 1st there will be a series of sessions covering core fundamentals such as SAT, ACT, and Essay Writing with some additional classes like FAFSA & Financial Aid and College Careers & Majors.
As Blue Heart graduated their first class of seniors the feel was that one that created a sense of celebration as well as community. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Blue Heart feels it’s very important to acknowledge these young men for their accomplishments. Salina Scott (Parent) stated “Our son James has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of such a great experience, The Blue Heart Foundation Inc., has given him various opportunities to better himself, and in doing so has extended his perceptions of how much he can impact others as well as himself, by showing compassion for others’ lives, and experiences. James has always had words of encouragement to share with others, but his participation with Blue Heart has allowed actions as well.”
As the awards portion of the event began with the recognition of this year’s President Volunteer Service Award winners with Bronze Level Awards going to Jamil Duke, James Scott, Jacques Morgan and Demaurier Palmer; the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Isaiah Coleman. Next came recognition from Congressman Juan Vargas by District Representative Stephanie R Allen who’s beautifully compelling presentation filled the room with appreciation and love.
Finally, we get to the signing day … Where will the seniors be taking the next step in their academic journey? First was Dallas Edge who committed to UC Merced followed by Demaurier Palmer (Alabama A&M) whom stated “When Tracy trusted me, I has no choice but to give 110 %. So, when it was my last chance to take my SAT.. I wasn’t going to let walking 6 miles stop me! Next was Jamil Duke (Sacramento State) followed by Jacques Morgan (Alabama A&M), Bernard Richardson (Northern Arizona University), James Scott IV (California State – Los Angeles) whom said “I’m not done with Blue Heart and going to come back to mentor” and closed with Isaiah Coleman whom said “I never had a fraternity of brothers until now…and I’m proud to be a member of The Blue Heart Foundation.
